Bryant Gumbel, born September 29, 1948, is a prominent American television journalist and sportscaster.
He is best known for co-hosting NBC’s Today for 15 years and hosting HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel from 1995 to 2023.
Gumbel’s career began with NBC Sports in 1975, where he covered various sports events before becoming the principal anchor of Today in 1982.
He is the younger brother of Greg Gumbel, a renowned CBS sportscaster who recently passed away at age 78.
Siblings
Bryant is the son of Richard Dunbar Gumbel, a probate judge, and Rhea Alice LeCesne, who worked as a city clerk.
His father emphasized the values of hard work and discipline, which greatly influenced Bryant’s career in journalism.
The Gumbel family also includes Bryant’s older brother, Greg Gumbel, a well-known sportscaster, and two younger sisters.
Career
Gumbel’s career spans over five decades in television journalism, beginning in 1972 when he started as a sportscaster for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles.
His early experiences in local television helped him develop his on-air presence and reporting skills, paving the way for his transition to national television.
In 1975, Gumbel joined NBC, where he initially worked as a sports anchor and correspondent, quickly gaining recognition for his insightful commentary and ability to engage with viewers.
One of the most significant milestones in Gumbel’s career was his role as co-host of NBC’s Today show from 1982 to 1997.
He made history as the first African American to hold this position.
During his tenure, Gumbel was instrumental in increasing the show’s ratings, turning it into one of the top morning shows in America.
He was known for conducting thoughtful interviews with high-profile guests, including politicians, celebrities, and newsmakers.
Additionally, he brought a broader perspective to the show by addressing social issues and current events alongside traditional morning fare.
Throughout his career at NBC, Gumbel also covered major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the NBA Finals.
His work helped elevate sports journalism on television. After leaving Today, he launched Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel on HBO in 1995.
Under his leadership, Real Sports received multiple Emmy Awards and was praised for its thoughtful exploration of sports culture.
Gumbel often tackled difficult topics such as racism in sports, athlete mental health, and the broader impact of sports on society.
Accolades
Gumbel is the first Black journalist to receive the Sports Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he was honored with in May 2023 during the 44th Annual Sports Emmy Awards.
He has won four Emmy Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, a Peabody Award, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Outstanding Foreign Affairs work.
His work on HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel has garnered 37 Sports Emmys and two Peabody Awards, making it one of the most recognized sports programs in television history.
Additionally, he has received various honors including the Frederick D. Patterson Award and the Martin Luther King Award from the Congress of Racial Equality.
